rear suspension geometry

enjenjo · April 14, 2009, 07:06:54 PM

I have been doing some reading, updating myself on suspension theory. Any one want to give some input on rear bar length? I found some good info here http://home.earthlink.net/~whshope/

Crosley.In.AZ · April 14, 2009, 10:32:22 PM

I would think you know 'whose" pages those are?

enjenjo · April 15, 2009, 11:43:50 AM

No, I don't.

Crosley.In.AZ · April 15, 2009, 11:54:30 PM

Bill Shope

Ramchargers drag racers were quite successful in the 60's

Bill is a purty good suspension engineer

enjenjo · April 16, 2009, 12:32:54 AM

OK. Seems to know what he is talking about.

GPster · April 16, 2009, 10:04:20 AM

It's a good thing Linda is out of town. I'll have to print this so I can sit down and read it. I hope she put ink in the printer.It's been days since I checked this site so I am pleased that there is some subjects appearing here. I wonder if this is a book? GPster

unklian · May 05, 2009, 02:53:33 PM

Quote from: "enjenjo"I have been doing some reading, updating myself on suspension theory. Any one want to give some input on rear bar length? I found some good info here http://home.earthlink.net/~whshope/

The available space will limit the maximum length of the bars.
Especially on such a small car.
Adjustable front mounts would allow changes in geometry.

enjenjo · May 05, 2009, 05:00:16 PM

Since this might have a big motor, or a small motor, both the front and rear of the bars will be adjustable. What I am finding says the lower bars should be from 20 to 24 inches, and the upper bars at 70 percent of that. so that's where we'll start.

Crosley.In.AZ · May 05, 2009, 09:52:44 PM

Quote from: "enjenjo"Since this might have a big motor, or a small motor, both the front and rear of the bars will be adjustable. What I am finding says the lower bars should be from 20 to 24 inches, and the upper bars at 70 percent of that. so that's where we'll start.

I am guessing that 20 - 24 inch measurement is from center to center of the heim joint ?

enjenjo · May 06, 2009, 07:56:38 AM

Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "enjenjo"Since this might have a big motor, or a small motor, both the front and rear of the bars will be adjustable. What I am finding says the lower bars should be from 20 to 24 inches, and the upper bars at 70 percent of that. so that's where we'll start.

I am guessing that 20 - 24 inch measurement is from center to center of the heim joint ?

yes. and 24" is preferred to 20"

GPster · May 06, 2009, 10:37:33 AM

Are you thinking the bottom bars will be straight front to back paralell with the centerline of the chassis or will they have to angle in from the rear end to find a mounting place on a narrow frame? If they are mounted at very much of an angle then the length of the bars will be longer than the radius that they are arcing in. Don't know how tight those measurements are to a theory but that might make a difference. GPster

enjenjo · May 06, 2009, 10:44:13 AM

The arms will be parallel. Lowers and uppers. I think a watts linkage for side to side control.

Crosley.In.AZ · May 09, 2009, 01:05:03 PM

so , we are talking a parallel 4 bar set up , than a drag race 4 link set up?

I've been doing some reading on basic drag race 4 link systems.. the length of bars seems to be all over the paper... even the length difference from top to bottom bars.

I am looking at the 1 1/4" diameter bar set up from Chris Alston chassis works for my Morris project. Many seem to use the 1 diameter tubes for direct threading for the hiem joints

enjenjo · May 09, 2009, 01:51:06 PM

No, it will be a drag race setup, parallel side to side, but not top to bottom.

Crosley.In.AZ · May 25, 2009, 03:04:12 PM

we had a 66 Chevelle drag car in the shop. A Lucas oil sponsored car.

the 4 link bars on it were the 1 inch diameter stuff., direct threaded tubes..

Measured about 23.0 inches from rod eye to rod eye on it.

i took some photos of it too